What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Dar es Salaam. They wrote...
"Learning to be more patient; having things not happen as quickly as I am used to," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
"Expats in Dar es Salaam may find the local culture challenging in several ways. They may struggle with the language barrier, as Swahili is the primary language spoken in Tanzania, and not everyone speaks English fluently. This can make communication and daily tasks difficult. Another challenge could be adjusting to the slower pace of life, known as "pole pole" in Swahili. Tanzanians value taking their time and being patient, which can be frustrating for expats who are used to a faster pace. Additionally, expats may find it difficult to navigate the complex social hierarchies and norms in Tanzania. Respect for elders and authority figures is deeply ingrained in the culture, and it is important to understand and adhere to these expectations. The concept of personal space may also be different in Tanzania, with people often standing closer to each other than expats may be accustomed to. This can be uncomfortable for some individuals. Furthermore, expats may find it challenging to adapt to the local cuisine, which is heavily based on starches like rice, maize, and cassava, and may not always cater to diverse dietary preferences or restrictions. Lastly, the lack of infrastructure and reliable public services, such as transportation, healthcare, and electricity, can be frustrating for expats who are used to more developed systems in their home countries," commented one expat who made the move to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Dar es Salaam, newcomers to Dar es Salaam would love to hear your answer to this question.
